Student charged with abduction

Juaso (Ash), May 27, GNA-- A 25-year-old student of Kumasi Polytechnic who abducted a 12-year-old JSS student has been remanded into custody by the Juaso circuit court.

Alexander Filson pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector K. Adams told the court that Filson had an appointment with the victim's uncle.

He said on April 25, 2004, at about 0700 hours, the victim's uncle travelled to Kwahu to visit his mother, and told the victim to inform the accused of the journey.

Accused removed his mobile phone from his pocket and pretended as if he was speaking to victim's uncle.

Accused informed the victim that his uncle had informed him that the victim should accompany accused to Lapass, Accra to collect some items to Mallam.

Inspector Adams said the innocent boy followed the accused and they boarded a vehicle to Dzowulu, Accra, where the picked his travelling bag and both went to Neoplan Station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle. On reaching there, the victim heard shouts of Kumasi!, Kumasi! and asked the accused where they were going, and accused told him not to worry as they would soon get to Mallam.

Inspector Adams said the accused boarded a Kumasi-bound vehicle with the victim, and on the way the victim started complaining about the journey, and this attracted the attention of some passengers. This attracted the attention of a policewoman, on the vehicle who directed the driver to report at the Konongo police station. After the accused had given conflicting statements to the police, a formal complaint was lodged and accused arrested.

Inspector Adams said accused told the police that victim's uncle had defrauded him of 15 million cedis and anytime he went to his house, he gave excuses, and that he abducted the child to compel victim's uncle to pay the amount.